The DC Council took first steps to repeal Initiative 77 yesterday, taking away a pay increase and maintaining the subminimum wage structure for tipped workers in the District. Although the initiative passed with a 55 to 45 percent vote, eight councilmembers approved...
Brittany Alston
Recent posts by Brittany Alston
Repeal Is Not The Answer. DC Tipped Workers Need A Raise.
Early next week, the fate of Initiative 77 will be decided, when legislation to fully repeal it will be considered. Taking away a pay raise from 29,000 workers—leaving them to make ends meet on $5 an hour plus tips—would be unfortunate, given that the current system...
Testimony of Brittany Alston At the Public Hearing on Bill 22-0913, Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Amendment Act of 2018
Chairman Mendelson and councilmembers, thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning. My name is Brittany Alston and I am the workforce development policy analyst with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. DCFPI promotes budget and policy choices to expand economic...
Restaurants Can Continue to Thrive Under Initiative 77
In early summer, DC residents showed their support at the ballot box for making sure tipped workers can earn a decent living and fair wage. Initiative 77, approved by 56 percent of DC voters, will increase the tipped minimum wage until it reaches $15 an hour in 2026....
Initiative 77 is Good for Workers
Labor Day: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Up Workers
On Labor Day, we pay tribute to the great achievements and contributions of workers throughout the country. With a thriving economy in the District, it is clear workers are critical to our economic growth. However, there is still much work to do to make sure that all...
What’s In the Approved Fiscal Year 2019 Budget for Employment and Training?
Summary: Workforce development funding decreases slightly, from $78.2 million in FY 2018 to $75.59 million. The approved FY 2019 budget continues to make investments in four subsidized job training programs, with funds totaling $37.5 million. DOES continues to...
Taking the High Road: How Economic Development Projects Can Reduce Inequality in DC
Over the past twenty years, the District has seen dramatic economic and population growth, including a development boom that has transformed the city's skyline, remade neighborhoods, and changed the city's employment landscape. These changes have led to prosperity for...
High-Road Development: Building Prosperity for Workers and the District
Executive Summary Over the past twenty years, the District has seen dramatic economic and population growth, including a development boom that has transformed the city’s skyline, remade neighborhoods, and changed the city’s employment landscape. These changes have led...
Testimony of Brittany Alston At the Public Hearing on Bill 22-0572, The Wage Garnishment Fairness Amendment Act of 2017
Chairman Allen and members and staff of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony. My name is Brittany Alston and I am the workforce development policy analyst with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, a division of the Center on...
DC Residents Voted for One Fair Wage. DC Council Should Not Overrule Them.
Yesterday, DC residents voted to pass ballot initiative 77, which will eliminate the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, and create one fair wage for all workers in the District. So, what’s next you might ask? Good question! After certification and a 30-day...
FACT SHEET: Ballot Initiative 77 Is Good for Workers
Testimony of Brittany Alston At the Budget Oversight Hearing for the Department of Employment Services, Workforce Investment Council, and Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity
Chairperson Silverman and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Brittany Alston and I am a policy analyst with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. DCFPI promotes budget and policy choices to expand economic opportunity for DC...
What’s In the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget for Employment and Training?
Summary Workforce development funding decreases slightly, from $78.2 million in FY 2018 to $75.1 million. Proposed FY 2019 budget continues to make investments in four subsidized job training programs, with funds totaling to $37.5 million. DOES continues to...
Martin Luther King Jr.: An Inspiration in Today’s Fight for Racial and Economic Justice
On April 4th, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated amidst the struggle for workers’ rights in Memphis, Tennessee.
Testimony of Brittany Alston At the Performance Oversight Hearing for the Department of Employment Services, Workforce Investment Council, and Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity
Chairperson Silverman and members of the Committee, I want to thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Brittany Alston and I am the workforce development policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. At DCFPI, we promote budget choices to reduce...
Unions Fight for Workers, Let’s Fight for Unions
As February comes to an end, public sector unions—those representing workers employed by the government—are preparing for the Supreme Court’s decision on Janus v American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. This Saturday, February...